Why Eric Dier's potential loan move from Tottenham makes no sense

A report in the London Evening Standard claims Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier could be sent out on loan for the second half of the season. But the unavoidable question that comes from such a claim is: Why?

The 20-year-old has impressed for Spurs since his summer move from Sporting Lisbon, making 16 appearances to date.

While the goal-scoring exploits that dazzled White Hart Lane are currently a thing of the past – after the defender netted in his first two appearances but not since – the simple fact is Dier has settled in well and sending him out on loan makes little sense.

The claim stems from the fact that Kyle Walker has now returned from injury – while you can throw in the imminent arrival of DeAndre Yedlin who will also contest the right-back slot – while Federico Fazio and Jan Vertonghen have seemingly made the centre-back spots their own.

But Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino will know the importance of squad depth, especially when you consider the amount of competitions his side remains in heading into 2015.

A loan move for Dier would serve no purpose other than to give Spurs one less defensive option; and when you consider Kyle Naughton and Younes Kaboul’s contributions this season there are other players who should be shipped out, even temporarily, ahead of the England under-21 international.

Vincent Ralph

After graduating with a degree in English Literature, Vincent completed a NCTJ-accredited qualification in newspaper and magazine journalism in 2005. He has worked for HITC for four years and is now Head of Editorial and Journalist Standards.